Not Your Mother’s Stannous Fluoride: Why Stannous Deserves a Second Chance

Not Your Mother’s Stannous Fluoride: Why Stannous Deserves a Second Chance

In the quest for a beaming, healthy smile, a myriad of ingredients claim their spot in the limelight. Yet, one unsung hero often flies under the radar despite its formidable powers. Enter Stannous Fluoride – a compound with a portfolio impressive enough to earn it a leading role in the oral care drama. But what makes it so special, and why should you consider it a pivotal ally in your daily oral hygiene routine? Sit back as we explore the multifaceted benefits of Stannous Fluoride, your smile’s new best friend.
 

A Brief Overview: What is Stannous Fluoride?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, pun obviously intended, let’s set the stage with a basic understanding of Stannous Fluoride (SnF2). Unlike its more commonly known cousin, Sodium Fluoride, Stannous Fluoride brings something extra to the table. Not merely a fluoride compound, it is also imbued with stannous or tin, contributing to its enhanced efficacy in oral care.

Compared to the latest innovation- Stabilized Stannous Fluoride, which is a newer generation of stannous that has clinical efficacy without compromising its flavor, texture, or appearance. The therapeutic efficacy of stannous fluoride depends on stabilization, which requires sustaining oxidation of the tin. When free stannous ions are oxidized, they become stannic ions and are no longer effective. In addition, stannous fluoride is water soluble; it will dissociate in water to form fluoride ions and tin hydroxide, a process known as hydrolysis. All of these chemical changes affect the bioavailability of stannous and result in the deactivation of this essential ingredient, subsequently causing stannous fluoride to lose its therapeutic value.

The stabilization process usually involves removing water, adding in stannous chloride (salt), which helps replenish the stannous reservoir, and incorporating of silicas or polyphosphates to reduce stains. Due to the formulation, staining is not an issue for those using stabilized stannous fluoride. 

The Multitasking Maven of Oral Health

Anticavity Crusader

Stannous Fluoride stands out as a formidable foe against cavities. Creating a robust protective layer over the teeth effectively thwarts the acid attacks instigated by sugar-loving bacteria in your mouth. Stabilized stannous fluoride allows 90% fluoride uptake, significantly increasing the available amount of soluble fluoride. While fluoride in general provides the greatest benefit on smooth surfaces of enamel, some research suggests stannous fluoride may also provide a reduction in root caries.

Gum Disease Warrior

For those battling gum inflammation or gingivitis, Stannous Fluoride is akin to a knight in shining armor. It targets the bacterial villains at the root of gum disease, offering relief and protection.

Banishing Stains, Embracing Brightness: Beyond its health benefits, Stannous Fluoride also boasts aesthetic prowess. It combats the pesky stains that dull your smile, ensuring your teeth stay brilliantly white. It does this with its ability to penetrate biofilm and starve bacteria from their nutritional source by interfering with their metabolic function. A Stabilized formulation can continue to work for up to 12 hours after use. 

The Guardian of Comfort

If the jolt of pain from hot or cold foods is all too familiar, Stannous Fluoride might be your safeguard. It reduces tooth sensitivity by sealing the micro pathways that lead to your dental nerves.

Stabilized Stannous Flouride should be considered in patients with inflammation, dentinal hypersensitivity, moderate to severe calculus, and those who struggle to remove biofilm. The protective ability to penetrate biofilm, 12-hour subsentivity, and the ability for it to continue to work for 12 hours. 

Source: Vogell, Susan, et al. “Benefits of Stabilized Stannous Fluoride.” Decisions in Dentistry, 13 May 2022, decisionsindentistry.com/article/benefits-of-stabilized-stannous-fluoride/